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Thoughts on Tube vs SS amplification for Sony SS AR1s

Hi all~
Was hoping someone with more knowledge than me may be able to help clear up some confusion I’ve been having.
I recently was able to acquire my ‘unicorn’ speakers, the SS AR1s.  4 ohms, 88 dB, 28hz-60khz.
i have an integrated tube amp, the  Luxman LX-380, which on paper doesnt seem to deliver a lot of power for these speakers (14 w into 4 ohms), but i have been really surprised by how full/robust everything sounds with the Luxman in place. I had been advised that a more powerful SS amp (‘at least 200 w per channel!’)  would be needed to get the most out of the SS AR1s (and i have had a lot of SS amps in the past), but To be honest I’m pretty impressed with how it sounds already - So,  i was just hoping someone with more experience here could weigh in? Is it necessarily true that tubes just aren’t a good match for a speaker of this sensitivity? Would a more powerful amp like the luxman mQ-88uc (25 w into 4 ohms) be worth looking into? Would a powerful SS amp really make these speaker sing (and i just dont know what I’m missing)? I want to take advantage of the low-end of these new speakers (which is the main difference from my previous pair), so looking for some guidance re tube amps and exerting control over speakers like these.

thanks much!
sfmorris
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
sfmorris OP


The combination of 3ohms and -60 degree phase angle at around 70hz (right in the bass power region), makes it look more like 1-2ohm loading to an amp. Then a continual load from there of 2.7ohms out to 500hz. Very tube, and many weaker solid state amps unfriendly.
In fact looking at both graphs, this Sony speaker to me looks even worse at 70hz (because of it’s -phase angle) than the "king" of unfriendly speakers to drive, the Wilson Alexia!!!!.

https://www.stereophile.com/images/1213Walexfig01.jpg

These Sony’s seem to be just like the Wilson Alexia, a "real pig" of a speaker to drive, but once driven correctly the rewards are both are something to behold. I’ve heard the Alexia’s driven with Gryphon Antillion Evo, and it’s a sound that you will never forget and always strive to get yourself.

Cheers George

jafant's avatar
jafant
20,594 posts
 

sfmorris


Nice score! Those Sony SS AR1 are killer speakers with not many fortunate owners. When Sony wants to make a state of the art product- it delivers!


Keep us posted on the system you choose to build.

Happy Listening!

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
When Sony wants to make a state of the art product- it delivers!


Yeah you got right, here’s their 3 way ESL’s they made way back 110kg each, I heard the Emperor of Japan had a pair.
http://www.thevintageknob.org/sony-SS-R10.html

Cheers George
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
George, 
Again from a pure technical analysis you are absolutely right in referring to the Sony speaker as a "pig of a speaker" given its extremely demanding need for current delivery.  How in the world does the low watt tube Luxman produce wonderful sound paired with this very difficult speaker load?  Can it be explained by the assumption that the Luxman has superb quality output transformers and power supply section or is it more complex than that? Really intriguing how this is pulled off.
Charles 
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,358 posts
 
I think the OP is getting good advice from everyone.  If it sounds good to him, then why change anything.  At the same time, he really doesn't know what he has not heard.  If he tried the Sony with a high current solid state amp who's to say he wouldn't say his system is positively transformed?  Both of these lines of thought can be right at the same time.
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